Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation
You should begin this process at least four weeks before the letter is due in order to give your teachers or counselors enough time to complete your letter(s). If you have an emergency, negotiate specifically with the individual teacher or counselor.
Colleges ask for a variety of types of recommendation letters. Each college sets its own policy, so it is always a good idea to double check with each school on your list to make sure you understand their requirements. For example, most state public universities do not require a teacher letter of recommendation unless you are applying to their honors college.
Students must recognize that these letters take many hours of unpaid time. Letters of recommendation are a privilege and not a right. Every teacher and counselor who provides a letter should receive a “thank you” note from you to express your appreciation.
Steps to Request a Letter
Requesting a Teacher Letter of Recommendation:
- Email or speak with the teacher about your request for a letter.
- Complete the Brag Sheet: Student Questionnaire for Teacher and email it, with a copy of your resume, to your teacher.
- Include in your email the schools to which you are applying and their due dates.
- Check in with your teacher periodically, and remember to show your appreciation!
Requesting a Counselor Letter of Recommendation:
- Email or speak with your counselor about your request for a letter.
- Complete the Brag Sheet: Student Questionnaire for Counselor, and email it to your counselor.
- (Optional) Have your parent/guardian complete the Brag Sheet: Parent Questionnaire for Counselor, and email it to your counselor.
- Include in your email the schools to which you are applying and their due dates.
- Check in with your counselor periodically, and remember to show your appreciation!
If you have difficulty filling out the Brag Sheet PDF, you can copy and paste the questions, and send them, with answers, in an email.
